McHenry County’s health ranked in State’s top 5

WOODSTOCK—The 2016 County Health Rankings released on March 16 reveal McHenry County residents continue to be some of the healthiest county populations in Illinois and among the top 5. The Health Rankings, a collaborative effort by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, give an overall classification of 4 to McHenry County residents. Approximately 102 Illinois Counties participated in the study.

According to Mike Hill, Administrator of McHenry County Department of Health, “since last year our County has improved it’s standing from thirteen to four. This advancement is due in part to a wide range of partners from government, business, community and faith-based groups, education, healthcare and public health, working together to address the County’s top health needs and disparities.”

While McHenry County ranked above both Illinois and the Nation for length of life and quality of life, there are still areas requiring attention. County residents slightly below both for obesity, smoking and excessive drinking.

Conducted annually for the past seven years, the rankings compare counties within each state on more than 30 factors impacting health, including such social determinants as education, jobs, housing, exercise, commuting times, and more. The report is available online at www.countyhealthrankings.org.